Sunday, January 27, 2008

Loads o Snow in Wisconsin and a Newletter From the NYC Bird Club

Cher Ami-Wounded while on duty, the savior of many human lives.

Yet another dose of snow....but in the meantime---Check out the Newsletter from the NYC Bird Club. Send it on to your Senators, Congressional Representatives, State Reps, and of course friends who will send it to theirs.

Dear Elected Government Representatives,

As you are aware pigeons are very much in the news, not only in New York City, but worldwide. What better time than to declare June 13th National Pigeon Day commemorating the death of Cher Ami (meaning Dear Friend in French).

Pigeons heroically fought for our country during wars and were used by people as messengers, saving many human lives.

Cher Ami died of his multiple war wounds on June 13, 1919--less than a year after he had completed his service to the United States Army Signal Corps. Upon his death a taxidermist preserved the small pigeon for future generations, a bird with a story that became an inspiration to millions over the years.

On this special day, students in schools across the United States will commemorate this day by learning of the significant role pigeons played in the history of the World. This can appropriately tie in with New York State's Humane Education Law, enacted in 1947 that is not being complied with in our school system, which requires instruction in the humane care and treatment of animals. The law is not been enforced, and few educators know of its existence.

In September 2006, New York City Council Member Tony Avella introduced a resolution urging the New York City Department of Education to help schools comply with New York State's Humane Education Law by issuing a memo to all public schools in the city.

We respectfully request that June 13th be declared National Pigeon Day in honor of pigeons who are war heroes.